Polysomnographic Technologist

Ochsner LSU Health; Shreveport (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Ochsner LSU Health is seeking a Sleep Technician to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders, including polysomnography, diagnostic and therapeutic services, and patient education.

The role requires certification in the field, state licensure, and BLS, with the ability to oversee staff and document patient information accurately. The position emphasizes reliability, privacy, and adherence to safety standards.

Qualifications

• Must have computer skills and data entry abilities.
• Proficient with Windows applications.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Performs difficult and unusual procedures and therapeutic interventions.
• Gathers and analyzes patient information to meet patient-specific needs.
• Prepares and calibrates equipment required for testing.
• Sets up patient for testing according to accepted published standards.
• Performs appropriate physiologic calibrations to determine proper functioning and makes adjustments.
• Documents routine observations including sleep stages, clinical events, changes in procedures, and significant events.
• Scores sleep studies by applying professional accepted guidelines.
• Performs routine mask fitting for positive airway pressure (PAP).
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Data entry

Dexterity

Analytical thinking

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Polysomnography Education Program (preferred)

RPGST certification

SDS certification

RST certification

BLS certification

Licensed as RPST in state

Tools

Windows

EMR systems

Job description

This job provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders which may involve polysomnography, diagnostic and therapeutic services or patient care and education. May provide oversight of other staff.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Education

Required - High School diploma or equivalent

Work Experience

Preferred - Completion of an accredited Polysomonography Education Program

Required – None

Preferred - Experience working in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency and skills to prioritize tasks

Certifications

• Required - Current certification as a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPGST), Sleep Disorder Specialist (SDS) or Registered Sleep Tech (RST)
• Required – Licensed as a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist in the state of practice
• Required - Basic Life Support (BLS) through American Heart Association

Knowledge Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

• Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information.
• Must be proficient with Windows-style applications and general computer equipment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills

Job Duties

• Performs difficult and unusual procedures and therapeutic interventions.
• Gathers and analyzes patient information in order to identify and meet the patient-specific needs.
• Prepares and calibrates equipment required for testing.
• Sets up patient for testing according to accepted published standards.
• Performs appropriate physiologic calibrations to determine proper functioning and makes adjustments.
• Documents routine observations including sleep stages, clinical events, changes in procedures, and significant events.
• Performs routine mask fitting for positive airway pressure (PAP).
• Scores sleep studies by applying professional accepted guidelines.
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.

Other related duties as required. The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.

The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Physical and Environmental Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.

Mechanical lifting devices (carts, dollies, etc.) or team lifts should be utilized.

Must be able to bend, stoop, reach and grab with arms and hands, manual dexterity.

Must be able to sit and stand for prolonged periods of time.

Normal routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluid or tissue and as part of their employment, incumbents are not called upon to perform or assist in emergency care or first aid.

There is no occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases.

Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.

Please refer to the job description to determine whether the position you are interested in is remote or on-site. Individuals who reside in and will work from the following areas are not eligible for remote work position: Colorado, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C.

Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.